The 1939 classic The Wizard of Oz holds a special place in pop culture history, and for production designer Nathan Crowley, it was the perfect starting point for bringing Wicked to life. As a seven-time Oscar nominee, Crowley knows the importance of creating immersive worlds, and he saw The Wizard of Oz as a foundation for the magical realm of Oz. At the Variety FYC screening, he shared his experiences working closely with director Jon M. Chu, who recently won the Critics Choice Award for Best Director. Crowley emphasized Chu’s desire to push the boundaries of set design, creating a magical and expansive world. Crowley, who loves the hands-on process of practical set-building, described the experience as “overwhelmingly good fun,” highlighting the camaraderie and creativity that comes with working alongside a dedicated crew. The collaboration between Crowley and Chu was instrumental in crafting the visually stunning and intricate sets that bring the world of Oz to life in Wicked.
For producer Marc Platt, Wicked is more than just a film—it’s a deeply personal project. Platt, who has been nominated for three Oscars and is known for his work on La La Land and The Trial of the Chicago 7, first read Gregory Maguire’s novel in the 1990s and immediately saw its potential as a movie. However, it took over two decades for the story to make its way to the big screen. Platt admitted that he waited so long because he felt a tremendous responsibility to do justice to the beloved characters and the fans who cherished them. “I didn’t want to screw it up,” he said. The pressure was high, but Platt’s dedication and passion for the project ensured that Wicked would be worth the wait. The film’s Broadway premiere in 2003 only solidified its place in the hearts of audiences, and Platt was determined to bring that same magic to the screen.
Ariana Grande, who earned her first Academy Award nomination for her portrayal of Glinda, has been a fan of Wicked since its Broadway debut in 2003. However, she quickly learned that playing Glinda was not just about loving the show—it required a deeper connection to the character. “There’s a huge difference between being a fan of something and having to become it,” Grande explained. She wanted to dig beneath Glinda’s comedic exterior and uncover the truth of her character. Grande believes that comedy only works if it’s rooted in authenticity, and she was determined to bring that truth to her performance. Her journey into Glinda’s world involved understanding her privileged upbringing and the moment when she first experiences real friendship, a turning point that Grande described as the first time someone “held up a mirror” and invited Glinda to embrace her deeper, more genuine self.
One of the most iconic moments in Wicked is the “Defying Gravity” sequence, which marks a pivotal point in the friendship between Elphaba and Glinda. Cynthia Erivo, who plays Elphaba and is nominated for Best Actress, described filming the scene as “fun as hell,” but she also emphasized the hard work and emotional depth required to bring it to life. “I want you to feel like it’s easy,” Erivo said, “but I want you to feel the pain that she’s feeling because the pain is real to me. It comes from a very real place.” Grande echoed this sentiment, highlighting the emotional weight of their performances. For Glinda, the Oz Dust Ballroom scene represents her first real friendship and the beginning of her journey toward self-discovery. These moments, while visually stunning, are rooted in the raw emotions of the characters, making them resonate deeply with audiences.
The preparation for their roles was no small feat, as both Erivo and Grande underwent months of vocal and physical training. Erivo spoke about the intense discipline required to master the demanding vocals and the physical challenges of performing in harnesses while singing. “It isn’t easy to sing in a harness up in the air,” she said, but both actresses were determined to give their all to their performances. Whether it was early morning wake-up calls, grueling workout routines, or hours in makeup, the actresses threw themselves into the process. Despite the challenges, there were moments of levity, like when Grande burned her butt during filming and needed an ice pack, or when Erivo, who hates onions, was surprised to find them in her lunch. These lighter moments remind us that even in the midst of intense preparation, there is room for joy and camaraderie.
For the cast and crew of Wicked, bringing this beloved story to the big screen has been a labor of love. From Crowley’s elaborate set designs to Platt’s unwavering dedication, and from Grande and Erivo’s emotional performances to the countless hours of preparation, every aspect of the film reflects a deep passion for the story. The journey of Wicked from the stage to the screen has been long, but it has been worth it. The film captures the magic, the emotion, and the heart of the original story, offering audiences a new way to experience the world of Oz and its unforgettable characters. For everyone involved, it’s been a journey filled with hard work, joy, and a shared love for the story that has become a part of their lives.
